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IPCR Presents Contemporary World Magazine to NUJ Plateau Council, Seeks Media Support for Africa–China Research Collaboration
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Plateau State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), promoting its newly released Contemporary World Magazine and seeking stronger collaboration with the media on research dissemination and peacebuilding.
Leading the delegation, Sunday Daji, Director of Finance and Accounts, said the visit was part of a nationwide tour to introduce and distribute the publication, which is jointly produced with Chinese partners.
“The Contemporary World Magazine is a product of collaboration with China, aimed at fostering academic and research relationships between Africa and China, especially Nigeria. It enlightens readers on contemporary global issues and strengthens scholarly cooperation,” Daji explained.
He noted that the magazine focuses on improving academic exchange and strengthening understanding in areas of research and development.
Offering more insight, Dr. Olalekan A. Babatunde, Head of the Directorate of External Conflict Prevention and Resolution, said the Jos visit followed similar engagements in Abuja and at the University of Lagos.
“We value the strategic role journalists play in disseminating academic work,” Dr. Babatunde said. “The magazine discusses policy, peace, security, climate change, AI, poverty, global governance and a wide range of issues affecting Nigeria, Africa and the global south. Journalists help move such knowledge beyond the library into public consciousness.”
He also highlighted Nigeria’s growing partnership with China, noting that scholars from both countries contribute to the publication.
“We encourage journalists to submit articles for future editions, and we pay a small honorarium for quality contributions,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the Plateau NUJ Council, the Deputy Chairman Pam, who represented Council Chairperson Mrs. Ayudu Pascoe, welcomed the delegation and commended IPCR for involving journalists.
“It shows your commitment to collaborating with journalists to ensure that the policies and research contained in the magazine are reported effectively,” he said. “We remain committed to promoting peace, reporting government policies, and strengthening international collaborations. We will study the magazine and report its contents diligently.”
He assured that Plateau journalists—many of whom attended the preceding seminar at the University of Jos—would continue to support the Institute’s work by amplifying research-based information.
To round off the visit, IPCR presented a copy of the Contemporary World Magazine to the NUJ library, along with a branded T-shirt and cap for the Council Chairperson.
The Obidient Movement has warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to stay away from any plan to rig the 2027 general elections.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Movement’s Directorate of Media and Communications.
The Movement said Nigerians must be allowed to freely choose their leaders through a free, fair and credible process.
This comes after Wike recently declared that he would lead President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the FCT and Rivers State.
The Movement also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies to remain neutral and resist any form of political interference in the elections.
It stressed that no individual or political party has the right to decide the outcome of an election before citizens cast their votes.
Recall that Wike had on Monday described himself as the field commander of Tinubu’s re-election campaign in both territories.
The minister also said he would coordinate political activities in support of the President’s second-term ambition.
In response to the declaration, the Obidients said, “Wike must understand that coordinating a political campaign does not confer ownership of the electorate, control over voters, or authority over the electoral process.”
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The Shendam Local Government Council of Plateau State is investing in a standard hotel in Karu, Nasarawa State, to boost internally generated revenue, create employment opportunities and provide accommodation for residents visiting Abuja and its environs.
The Shendam Guest House, which is currently 40 per cent complete, is expected to partner with Continental Hotels and other top hospitality brands to ensure professional service delivery and sustainable returns for the council.
The council chairman, Hon. Dr. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, disclosed this during an inspection of the project attended by lawmakers, government representatives, stakeholders and other local government chairmen.
Nshe explained that the project involved redeveloping an old facility comprising 13 flats constructed during the administration of former chairman Sebastian Bukhari more than two decades ago.
He said the council negotiated with the occupants and arranged alternative accommodation to pave the way for construction, adding that the project was expected to be completed within six months.
The facility will feature 84 en-suite rooms, event halls, a restaurant, laundry services, a swimming pool, a lounge and a gym.
Nshe said his administration was focused on investing public funds in sustainable projects that would deliver long-term benefits to the people.
“We are not thinking of taking the money, but we are thinking of investing the money,” he said.
The project consultant, Engr. Lawi Abdalla of ATM EARTH Creatives, expressed confidence that the hotel would be completed within six months, citing the commitment of workers despite challenges posed by the rainy season.
He explained that the nature of the terrain required stronger reinforcement materials and extensive retaining walls to ensure the building’s stability.
The member representing Shendam Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Joe Bukar, commended Nshe for the initiative, describing it as a visionary investment capable of generating revenue and creating jobs.
Bukar said the project aligned with the Plateau State Government’s The Time Is Now mantra and expressed confidence that it would deliver lasting benefits to the people of Shendam.
Also speaking, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Rt. Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, described the project as an investment in the future and urged the contractor to ensure timely completion.
He encouraged local government chairmen to learn from one another and pursue sustainable development initiatives that would strengthen their councils’ financial capacity.
The Chairman of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, Hon. Stephen Pwajok, who spoke on behalf of other council chairmen, commended Nshe for the initiative.
Pwajok said the hotel would provide accommodation for Plateau indigenes visiting Abuja while serving as a potential source of revenue for the council.
He also commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for supporting development initiatives across the state’s 17 local government areas, expressing hope that the project would inspire similar investments elsewhere.
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